Was fortunate to take advantage of EE's cyber Monday sale and knife just arrived. Tested it on a few veggies and wow! The irregular surface is nice for the veggies not sticking so I can keep cutting. The balance is beautiful. I bought it somewhat blindly as I didn't have any hands-on experience with it (so was nervous) but did compare basic specs (weight etc) to my Shun. Did not dissapoint. Another "why did I wait". I can get by with my Shun, but thisYoshikane Gyuto is a real nice step up. Highly recommend.